PSC Issues Guidelines on Change of Guard at Cabinet Secretary Offices

The Public Service Commission (PSC) yesterday issued guidelines governing the exit of Cabinet and Principal secretaries from office to pave way for the incoming government.

The commission issued several advisories detailing how President Uhuru Kenyatta’s CSs and PSs will vacate office and hand over to their successors following last week’s election.

The advisories, intended to support a seamless transition from the outgoing administration to the new government, are segregated into nine advisories on matters related to establishing government structures, appointments and human resource function for incoming national and county administrations.

Anthony Muchiri, PSC chairperson said there will be no disruption of services during the transition to the new administration. The contentious position of the Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) and the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) have been covered in the advisories, with the PSC saying they catered for both scenarios, whether they are abolished or will continue being in existence.

The first advisory is on a fit-for-purpose structure of the new government which has also been shared with the Assumption to the Office committee.

This will ensure that all government entities are in place to ensure they perform the intended functions.

An advisory on recruitment and selection of Principal Secretaries was also issued.

PSC will among other functions advertise for the position of PSs 21 days after the new president, presumed to be Deputy President William Ruto, is sworn in. Interviews will be conducted thereafter.

“The officials serve at the discretion of the current administration. If they are willing to continue serving then they can apply,” Muchiri said.

Under the advisory on delegation instrument and vesting of the role of Authorised officer, the PSC has delegated some powers and functions to the authorized officers including PSs.